Craig Marshall Smith Exhibition at Denver International Airport

Laura Coale Media Relations Ph: (303) 342-2250 Recorded media line: (303) 342-2280 Pager (emergencies only): (303) 342-2288 laura.coale@flydenver.com￼￼FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE￼￼￼￼￼‘Paintings for Airports’ Exhibition at Denver International Airport
DENVER – Oct. 31, 2014 – “Paintings for Airports” by Colorado painter Craig Marshall Smith will be on display at Denver International Airport from Nov. 5, 2014 through April 2015. The temporary exhibition will be installed at the Y-Juncture Gallery located past the A-security checkpoint and passenger bridge, leading to the A Gates.
“Paintings for Airports” is a collection of 28 original oil paintings created in the Abstract Expressionism style. The exhibition is dedicated to Smith’s father, Harry E. Smith, a World War II pilot who flew 30 missions in "Smoky Liz II," a B-17, with the 452nd Bombardment Group.
“Smith’s vibrant color palette and abstract style may emulate feelings of liberation and freedom as traveler’s pass by,” said DIA Art and Culture Program Manager, Chris Stevens. “We are extremely proud to be able to dedicate the exhibition to such an accomplished veteran.”
About the ArtistCraig Marshall Smith is a well-known Colorado painter who was the drawing coordinator at Metropolitan State College of Denver from 1977-2003. He retired in 2003 as a Professor Emeritus. Smith credits Franz Kline, Richard Diebenkorn and Jim Dine as his mentors in painting. His work shifted from Figurative painting and drawing to Abstract Expressionism around the turn of the century. He now writes a weekly opinion column for eight Douglas County, Colorado newspapers. A compilation of Smith's columns, "This is not a Dachshund," was a finalist for Colorado Book of the Year in Creative Non-Fiction in 2014. He resides in Highlands Ranch, Colo. where he continues to paint.About DIA’s Art and Culture Program
DIA’s Art and Culture Program administers the City and County of Denver’s “one percent for art” ordinance which enhances public places and features nearly 30 site-specific works including sculptures, murals and other installations. The pieces are displayed in outdoor landscapes, inside Jeppesen Terminal and on airport concourses, as well as in the train tunnels and on the train itself. In addition to its permanent art collection, DIA curates temporary exhibitions, collaborating with museums, cultural institutions and arts organizations to present the highest quality two- and three-dimensional work. For more information, visit www.flydenver.com/art.
DIA was named “Best U.S. Airport for Art” in USA Today’s “10Best Reader’s Choice” travel contest in 2013. The category focuses on how airports have been transforming from utilitarian hubs of transport to spaces with beautiful works of art, great restaurants, comfy lounges and terrific shopping. DIA was selected by readers as the favorite among 20 airports nominated by the publication.